A plan to revitalize Treasure Island crafted by the City of San Francisco, Treasure Island Community Development and community members is being recognized for its environmental and economic leadership by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the California Environmental Protection Agency and a host of other state agencies.
The review panel for the Governor's Environmental and Economic Leadership Award deemed the design for a new Treasure Island community "exceptional" in its forward-thinking vision and commitment to environmental sustainability.
"We thank the Governor and those state officials who selected our development plan for this honor," said Kofi Bonner, President of Lennar Urban's Bay Area Division and member of Treasure Island Community Development. "The proposed redevelopment of Treasure Island truly reflects the environmental leadership displayed by San Franciscans and offers a model to other cities about how to build for the 21st century and beyond. We have been proud to work with the City of San Francisco, our partners and the community to shape the future of a new Treasure Island."
"Treasure Island will be one of the most environmentally sustainable large development projects in U.S. history," said Michael Cohen, the City of San Francisco's Director of Economic and Workforce Development.
Plans call for the transformation of approximately 450 acres at the former Naval Station Treasure Island and adjacent Yerba Buena Island. The development is the result of a public-private partnership between the Treasure Island Development Authority, a non-profit public benefit corporation, and Treasure Island Community Development, an entity which includes Lennar, Wilson Meany Sullivan, and Kenwood Investments.
The proposed plan would promote pedestrian friendly neighborhoods built around an intermodal transit hub. This design will keep two-thirds of the land available for the creation of a 300-acre park and open space system. The green infrastructure proposed for the project will enable the development plan to achieve a Gold certification under the LEED-ND Neighborhood Development program.
Open space features prominently as part of the islands' sustainable infrastructure. A constructed wetland will provide wildlife habit and serve a storm water treatment function. A new wastewater treatment facility will recycle water for irrigation and other commercial uses.
Approximately 6,000 new homes are planned, with 30 percent priced affordable at below market rates. New development on Treasure Island is expected to meet Green Building Standards specifically created for Treasure Island and tiered off the LEED NC environmental building standards. Buildings will be energy efficient and uses in the urban core will be served by an energy efficient central heating and cooling plant.
Alternative energy sources such as solar and wind power will allow Treasure Island to create more energy than it uses during certain times of the day. Renewable grid-source power will be used for 100 percent of the development's power supply.
And a comprehensive transportation plan has been developed, one that prioritizes walking and bicycling and maximizes use of public transit through congestion management pricing, household transit passes, parking policies and freeway ramp metering.
"All of these features clearly demonstrate our commitment to responsible and sustainable development," said Mr. Bonner. "We are preparing to build a community that can meet the needs and challenges of the future."
